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What can cause water ingress into the boot of a Ford Fiesta?

Around last autumn time a reader wrote in with a problem about water in his car boot, but I cannot remember your reply. It was the same car as mine (a Ford Fiesta) and there is only water in the base of the boot when it has been driven in the rain. I am convinced it is coming in from underneath and not through the seals of the boot door. Garages have looked at it but not resolved the issue. Could you remind me of your reply to this problem?

Asked on 3 August 2013 by LW, Huddersfield

Answered by Honest John
I suggested that it could be entering through the cabin vents that, on most cars, are now located in the lower sides of the luggage compartment behind the side extensions of the rear bumper valences. These are supposed to be one-way flaps, but can stick and admit rainwater flung up by the wheels.
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